Monday February 13, 2012

A Caerphilly man has become a real high flier, embarking on a jet set career with one of the world’s leading airlines thanks to a vocational course on offer at The College Ystrad Mynach.

Stuart Williams, aged 21, from Caerphilly has seen his career really take off since he completed a Level 2 Air Cabin Crew and Passenger Handling Certificate at the College Ystrad Mynach.

After attending a recruitment fair at Cardiff airport, he applied for a Cabin Crew position with Thomas Cook, who were impressed enough to snap him up before making him an official Cabin Crew member on his 18th birthday. He said:

"I was still 17 and under the legal age to be recruited as Cabin Crew at the time I applied for the position, but the company liked me enough to hire me in advance.”

Stuart now works for British Airways and his goal is to become a Pilot. Between flying around the world he is also studying for my NVQ level 3 and 4 in Travel and Tourism at the College Ystrad Mynach with a view to applying for British Airways Pilot training sponsorship in the future.

He said:

“I feel so lucky to have a career that I am really passionate about. I get to work with new people on every flight and visit fantastic destinations on a regular basis, which is a great perk.”

Gabriella Anderson, one of the Air Cabin Crew course lecturers at The College Ystrad Mynach said:

"Many students who undertake the course go on to become successful Air Cabin Crew for well-known airlines and success stories like Stuart’s are what make the course so rewarding to teach. It's so valuable to deliver a course that prepares students specifically for their chosen careers.”

The 12-month course, delivered at the College Ystrad Mynach is available to school-leavers interested in working in the air travel industry. Through theory and practical sessions – many of which are taught in a purpose built mock aeroplane cabin - students are trained how to deal effectively with the health, safety and security of passengers and how to respond correctly to emergency situations. The intensive training includes community first aid, fire fighting, slide evacuation and foreign language skills.

Stuart, a former Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni pupil, said:

"Thanks to signing up for the course I am now enjoying every second of a really rewarding career, and I’m so glad I did it. I would definitely recommend the course to other young people as a route to a job that combines customer service with fantastic travelling opportunities.”

Gabriella Anderson said:

"The practical nature of the course through role play and mock aircraft flights makes it really enjoyable for the students and really prepares them for the real thing. More importantly, it provides the school leavers with an array of confidence and exceptional customer service skills that they can take on to any career.

“It’s great to see Stuart doing so well and he is a great example of what possibilities this course can open up for students.”